Which starter?

Walt · #1 10-31-2006, 06:09 PM

Switching to dual LSE ignitions on my O360 so I going to get rid of the skytec PM and either get one of these 3, opinions appreciated! Any problems with fit that anybody is aware of? (vetterman crossover exhaust)
Skytec HiTorque
Skytec Inline (new model)
B&C (don't really want to spend this much though)
Thanks,
Walt RV7A

painless · #2 10-31-2006, 06:13 PM

I vote for B&C. Been very happy with mine.

Regards,

Mel · #3 10-31-2006, 06:15 PM

I've been running the Skytec Hi-Torque for quite a number of years now and have had no problems.

sprucemoose · #4 11-01-2006, 01:12 AM

Another vote for the B&C. They are pricey, but the Cadillac of starters.

f1rocket · #5 11-01-2006, 06:21 AM

IMHO, SkyTec is JUNK! They sell starters that are too small to do the job and their internal magnets disintegrate at the first kick-back, which you are likely to get with an electronic ignition. Go ahead and buy a SkyTec, but be prepared to eventually pony up for a B&C down the road, probably when you are hundreds of miles from your home airport.

mahlon_r · #6 11-01-2006, 10:25 AM

Not to buck the trend of this thread, but we have installed thousands of SkyTec starters over the years. We are currently using the NL model, as the default starter, on all of the Lycoming engines we do, both certified and TMX experimental. We have had very good results.
Good Luck,
Mahlon
"The opinions and information provided in this and all of my posts are hopefully helpful to you. Please use the information provided responsibly and at your own risk."

f1rocket · #7 11-01-2006, 10:56 AM

Yeah, I know that most of the engine guys are supplying them with their engines. Even my engine from Bart had one on it. However, the smaller, PM starter has a lousy reputation. One of the Rocket flyers in my area actually dug into this with SkyTec and they eventually conceded that he should be using the Hi-Torque starter. He pushed them enough that they coughed up the starter free of charge to him to make him happy.

If you are planning to use electronic ignition, you are more suceptable to kick back on starting. All it takes in one time to ruin the permanent magnets in the SkyTec. Perhaps the SkyTec is great for dual magneto engines, but my experience, and those of about 20-30 RVers in the area is that if you are running EI, either go with the larger SkyTec or just buy something that won't break to begin with, and that's a B&C starter.

Bill Dicus · #8 11-01-2006, 11:12 AM

We've had a B&C on our Pitts S-2A for over 5 years and it has been flawless. Recently the old Bendix on our Lance failed. Our local mechanic talked us into another Bendix and essentially refused to put a Sky Tech in - he said the ones he installed have had nothing but trouble. B&C for my -8. Bill

frankh · #9 11-01-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1rocket

If you are planning to use electronic ignition, you are more suceptable to kick back on starting. All it takes in one time to ruin the permanent magnets in the SkyTec. Perhaps the SkyTec is great for dual magneto engines, but my experience, and those of about 20-30 RVers in the area is that if you are running EI, either go with the larger SkyTec or just buy something that won't break to begin with, and that's a B&C starter.

The Emag/Pmags have a run mode start delay that should avoid kickback. I only have 42 hours on my PM Skytech so I don't have a lot of experience with it.

Frank
7a TMXIO360, Emag/Pmag.

penguin · #10 11-01-2006, 12:01 PM

Its not run mode start delay that means a P/E-mag will avoid a kick back, its the basic design. A P/E-mag cannot spark before TDC when starting - just can't happen. They measure the rotation position of the engine in a completely different way to the other EIs.

I know plenty of people with Sky-tec starters who are very happy. Yes, B&C are very good (I used to own one - came with the IO-540), but Skt-tec will do the job.

Pete